The 1947 MG TC is an iconic British sports car that played a crucial role in popularizing European roadsters, especially in the United States, after World War II. It was part of the MG T-Series, which included the TA, TB, TC, TD, and TF models, produced by Morris Garages (MG).
Origins and Development
The MG TC was introduced in 1945, immediately after World War II, as the first post-war production car from MG. It was based on the pre-war MG TB, which itself was an evolution of the TA. The TC retained many traditional MG design elements, such as:
A narrow body with running boards.
A folding windscreen.
A stiff ladder-frame chassis.
Wire-spoke wheels.
Right-hand drive only, even for export models.
Despite its o...
The 1947 MG TC is an iconic British sports car that played a crucial role in popularizing European roadsters, especially in the United States, after World War II. It was part of the MG T-Series, which included the TA, TB, TC, TD, and TF models, produced by Morris Garages (MG).
Origins and Development
The MG TC was introduced in 1945, immediately after World War II, as the first post-war production car from MG. It was based on the pre-war MG TB, which itself was an evolution of the TA. The TC retained many traditional MG design elements, such as:
A narrow body with running boards.
A folding windscreen.
A stiff ladder-frame chassis.
Wire-spoke wheels.
Right-hand drive only, even for export models.
Despite its old-fashioned construction, the TC was light, agile, and had an engaging driving experience that won the hearts of enthusiasts.
Performance and Specifications
The MG TC was powered by a 1.25-liter XPAG inline-four engine, producing 54 horsepower. It had a 4-speed manual gearbox and could reach a top speed of about 75 mph (121 km/h)—respectable for the era. The car weighed around 1,900 lbs (860 kg), making it nimble despite its modest power output.
Though the suspension was quite rudimentary, featuring leaf springs and a solid front axle, the MG TC's precise steering and lively performance made it a favorite among sports car lovers.
Impact on the U.S. Market
While the MG TC was never officially exported to the United States, returning American servicemen who had encountered the car in England during WWII brought it back home, sparking a sports car revolution in the U.S. Its lightweight, responsive handling, and European charm stood in stark contrast to the large, heavy American cars of the time.
This enthusiasm laid the foundation for the American sports car movement, influencing brands like Jaguar, Triumph, and even Chevrolet, which later developed the Corvette as a response to growing demand for lightweight roadsters.
Production and Legacy
Total Production:10,001 units (1945–1949)
Successor:MG TD (1950)
Notable Owners: Celebrities and racing enthusiasts, including future sports car designers and racers, adored the MG TC.
Today, the MG TC remains a prized collector's item, with its classic styling, historical significance, and cultural impact cementing its status as a legendary British roadster.
This Car
This MG TC is a PROJECT as the car has done a total of 1233 miles since 2005 and nothing since 2012, so it will need a total recommission and fully checked over.
The current V5C registration document records the car as being registered on 3rd May 1990; however, we are indebted to the British Motor Industry Heritage Trust for a letter to a Mr Bailey of Norfolk in June 1988 which confirmed that this lovely example of one of MG’s most popular models was manufactured in 1947. Mr Bailey must have been involved with the import of the car from the US as reference is made in the letter to the requirements of the Customs and Excise and is further stamped, one imagines at the DVLA with the date of registration recorded on the V5C.
Further clues on her history also lie in the history file with a Certificate of Title from the State of Oklahmoma dated from 1977 to 1979 in the name of a Jay Morton of Oklahoma City. Rather like the old folding log books in the UK, there is space on the rear of the Certificate that notes the assignment of title to Brooks Motors Auction Company on 9th June 1980 giving an expiry of this assignment in June 1983.
There is a Used Car Sales Invoice from the same business recording the sale of the car – then registered under the number BSK 328 – at a price of £19,500 to a Mr Barnes of St Albans.
Mr Barnes made a wise investment in October 1990 with the transfer of the registration number 9607 MG to the car adding a touch of class as well as adding value to his purchase. There is an MOT certificate attached to the documentation issued in May 1990 with a recorded mileage of 560 miles.
He kept the car until August 2016 when it was acquired by the current keeper. During that period of ownership, there was a further substantial investment in the overhaul/rebuild of the engine.
The previous owner had continued to maintain the car and further enhanced the quality of the car with having the car’s paintwork refreshed in 2022.
The chassis and body are sound, the interior trim is good the paint is good, the wiring to the lights needs attention. This is a great example of a very popular car which needs loving care.
